Smriti, 50 from Mumbai was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. The hospital nurse referred to her as the most cheerful patient in the ward. PatientsEngage spoke to her to find out her mantra for a positive attitude.
Please tell us a bit about your condition
A. I was recently diagnosed with abdominal cancer.
When were you diagnosed?
A. My diagnoses came in January 2018.
What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor?
A. It all started in August 2017 with pain on the right side of my abdomen, near the liver. I also felt gassy constantly, so I tried to regulate my food intake. In December, I did go see a Physician who prescribed some antibiotics thinking it was Colitis, but it didn’t help. Finally, my brother-in-law who is a Cardiologist, insisted I go get a Sonography done. The sonography of my abdomen and pelvis showed that my ovaries and other parts were completely shadowed. I also got CT and PET scan done.
On January 24th, I was diagnosed with Abdominal cancer that had spread to my pelvic organs. On 30th January, I was scheduled for surgery. On the operating table, my surgeon found that the cancer had originated from the appendix and had spread to nearby organs. My stomach lining, diaphragm lining, partial liver, spleen, omentum, gall bladder, ovaries, and uterus had to be resected.
Do you have a family history of your condition?
A. Both my parents passed away due to Cancer. My mother who was only 57 years old had Breast cancer while my father died at the age of 72 with Colon cancer.
I myself had Breast Cancer in 2012. It was an early detection of Stage 1 which was treated with lumpectomy and radiation.
What is your present condition?
A. I am back to my work and daily routine. My abdomen is still trying to heal so I try to take care of my eating habits. Post-surgery, I was first put on a liquid diet for about 15-20 days and then was on a high protein diet such as eggs, pulses, yogurt etc. Now I am completely on home cooked meals; rarely do I indulge on outside food.
Please describe your experience of managing your condition.
A. I tried to focus on healing and not stress about the what’s and why’s about my diagnosis. After my diagnosis, I was back to work till my day of the surgery. Even during my hospital stay, my nurse would say I’m the most cheerful patient in the ward.
Have you had any related complications from your primary condition?
A. Because my reproductive organs were removed, I have gone into menopause, which causes symptoms of hot flashes, sweating and occasional mood swings.
What was your course of treatment? What medications are you on?
A. Most of my tumor was removed during surgery which is the primary treatment for such cancers. I also received one round of chemotherapy during the surgery itself.
In May, all my tests were clear so I have no further treatment pending. Proactive chemo was not recommended by my surgeon since the tests were good and my stomach lining is still regenerating. My next follow-up is in August of this year.
I am on thyronorm for my hypothyroidism and vitamin supplements. The dosage of thyronorm was increased after the surgery.
Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?
A. I have learned that I should be more respectful of my body and eat more sensibly. Greed has not been my friend.
I have been told to avoid all fried and fatty foods, and have put a self-restriction on sugary foods. I am also more particular about my exercising. I walk daily and try to swim occasionally. Since my abdomen is still healing, yoga has been put on hold.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga? If yes, did it help?
A. I practice and conduct workshops on Access Consiousness! Access is a set of tools that can be used to change an area of life. One of the programs focuses on Body Processes which help to unlock our points of view thus aiding the body to heal itself. My colleagues helped run these processes for me during my illness.
How did you mentally/emotionally cope with your condition?
A. I have had my horrible and low moments but I had my Buddhist practice to carry me through those tough times. I had no fear and was ready to face what came. I know deep inside what and how much I can accomplish spiritually and physically.
How have your family and friends supported you?
A. My family has been amazing. My husband has been my biggest support!
The day I was diagnosed, I went home and had to host a pre-planned sundowner/kitty party for my friends. So I informed them at that time itself. They have been very supportive!
What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
A. Physical pain was my greatest challenge. I was on painkillers for about 5 days post-surgery and then decided to stop them and deal with the pain on my own.
My advice to others would be: Do not resist, receive it! Don’t curse the diagnosis or condition but instead accept it and then ask what you can do with it. That makes the entire process so much easier.
What keeps you awake at night?
A. Nothing, I sleep well!
